Opera Free VPN 2024 Review: 5 Cons and 4 Pros

by Petr Lippert
updated January 1, 2024 (Report a bug)

1. Opera Free VPN: The Exclusive Browser with Integrated VPN

   • Only works in Opera Browser
   • Gathers considerable amounts of data
   • Data collected might be shared with third parties
   • Only secures browser searches
   • Limited security

   • The sole browser with VPN protection
   • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
   • No data transfer cap
   • Unblocks some streaming services

   Opera Free VPN is a unique free VPN that markedly differs from other similar services. Integrated directly into the web browser, it’s not available as a standalone application. This VPN is the brainchild of the Norwegian company, Opera Unite Pte. Ltd., established in 1995.

   A key drawback of Opera Free VPN is its restricted download capacity, limited to specific devices and servers in merely 5 countries. It offers minimal protection via 256-bit encryption and HTTPS protocol, without any advanced features. To worsen matters, Opera Free VPN collects more data than its competitors, which could potentially be shared.

   On the plus side, Opera Free VPN enables the connection of an unlimited number of devices with no data transfer restrictions. This is unusual for free VPNs, which is why we find it noteworthy. Being part of a popular browser, it supports 111 different languages, which is a significant advantage. Moreover, Opera Free VPN, being one of the few free services, can unblock some streaming services. The decent download speed of 114 Mb/s does not hinder video playback. However, speeds may fluctuate based on server load.

   In essence, this browser aspires to be more secure than others. Yet, compared to standard services, it has several deficiencies. The lack of a traditional application might deter some users. For regular use, we suggest opting for a different VPN that offers superior privacy, supplemented by advanced security features. NordVPN or Surfshark are commendable choices.

2. Opera Free VPN Subscription: Discount Code, Free Trial, Money Back Guarantee…

   • Your Price:  Free (999 devices)

   

   6.8

   ★★★

   Opera is the only browser with integrated VPN and offers unlimited data transfer. However, it collects a lot of information and has minimal security levels.

   Free  

   Download For Free

   Opera’s VPN is a free component of its web browser and does not offer a subscription per se. However, it serves as a trial version of Opera VPN Pro, which requires a fee.

   To access Opera Free VPN, simply download the Opera browser to your device, which initiates automatic protection. There’s no need to create a user account, typically a requirement for free services of this kind to monitor data transfer limits, etc. Opera Free VPN does not have a data transfer cap and can protect unlimited devices simultaneously.

   Therefore, you can use Opera Free VPN without submitting personal and payment details. Active protection can be recognized by the blue bordered “VPN” at the top of the browser.

   For users seeking enhanced protection, there’s a paid version, Opera VPN Pro, which offers monthly, semi-annual, and annual subscriptions.

3. Opera Free VPN and Supported Devices: Android, iOS, macOS…

   • Device limit: Unlimited

   Platforms supported

   • Android:
     Yes

     Android is supported by 98 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Android TV:
     No

     Android TV is supported by 36 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Apple TV:
     No

     Apple TV is supported by 18 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Fire TV:
     No

     Fire TV is supported by 43 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Chromebook:
     No

     Chromebook is supported by 20 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Chromecast:
     No

     Chromecast is supported by 16 % of reviewed VPNs
   • iOS:
     Yes

     iOS is supported by 99 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Kodi:
     No

     Kodi is supported by 21 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Linux:
     Yes

     Linux is supported by 61 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Mac:
     Yes

     Mac is supported by 98 % of reviewed VPNs
   • NAS:
     No

     NAS is supported by 24 % of reviewed VPNs
   • nVidia Shield:
     No

     nVidia Shield is supported by 14 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Playstation:
     No

     Playstation is supported by 20 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Raspberry Pi:
     No

     Raspberry Pi is supported by 17 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Roku:
     No

     Roku is supported by 16 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Router:
     No

     Router is supported by 53 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Windows:
     Yes

     Windows is supported by 100 % of reviewed VPNs
   • xBox:
     No

     xBox is supported by 20 % of reviewed VPNs

   Browser Extensions

   • Brave :
     No

     The Brave browser add-on is offered by 43 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Chrome :
     No

     The Chrome browser add-on is offered by 43 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Edge :
     No

     The Edge browser add-on is offered by 21 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Firefox :
     No

     The Firefox browser add-on is offered by 34 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Opera :
     No

     The Opera browser add-on is offered by 43 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Safari :
     No

     The Safari browser add-on is offered by 0 % of reviewed VPNs.
   • Vivaldi :
     No

     The Vivaldi browser add-on is offered by 43 % of reviewed VPNs.

   Opera Free VPN allows an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections, a feature far beyond what most competing free services offer.

   A limitation of Opera Free VPN is its reduced compatibility with various types of devices. Since it’s merely a feature, Opera Free VPN is only functional on devices that support the Opera browser. Hence, it is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Chromebook devices, both desktop and mobile.

   Unsupported devices are more extensive in number. Smart TVs and gaming consoles are not included, and due to its nature, browser extensions are not available. Also, Opera Free VPN can’t run on a router, which could potentially provide protection to unsupported devices.

   Nevertheless, it remains the only web browser that offers free VPN protection with no data transfer restrictions.

4. Opera Free VPN App: User-friendliness, whitelist, server selection…

   • App Languages: 🇺🇸 English +110 moreAfrikaans 🇦🇱 Albanian Amharic 🇦🇪 Arabic Aragonese 🇦🇲 Armenian 🇦🇿 Azerbaijani 🇲🇳 Burmese Basque 🇧🇾 Belarusian 🇧🇩 Bengali 🇧🇦 Bosnian Breton 🇧🇬 Bulgarian 🇨🇿 Czech 🇨🇳 Chinese 🇩🇰 Danish Esperanto 🇪🇪 Estonian 🇫🇴 Faroese 🇫🇮 Finnish 🇫🇷 French Galician 🇬🇪 Georgian Gujarati 🇭🇹 Haitian Creole Hausa 🇮🇱 Hebrew 🇮🇳 Hindi 🇭🇷 Croatian 🇮🇩 Indonesian Interlingua 🇮🇪 Irish 🇮🇸 Icelandic 🇮🇹 Italian 🇯🇵 Japanese Javanese Yiddish Yoruba Kannada 🏴  Catalan 🇰🇿 Kazakh Quechua Khmer 🇰🇷 Korean Corsican Kurdish Laotian Latin 🇱🇹 Lithuanian 🇱🇻 Latvian 🇱🇺 Luxembourgish 🇭🇺 Hungarian 🇲🇰 Macedonian Malayalam 🇲🇾 Malay Malagasy 🇲🇹 Maltese Maori Marathi 🇲🇳 Mongolian 🇩🇪 German 🇳🇵 Nepali 🇳🇱 Dutch 🇳🇴 Norwegian Occitan Oromo Punjabi Pashto 🇮🇷 Persian 🇵🇱 Polish 🇵🇹 Portuguese Rhaeto-Romanian 🇷🇴 Romanian 🇷🇺 Russian 🇬🇷 Greek 🇼🇸 Samoan Sindhi Sinhalese Scottish Gaelic 🇸🇰 Slovak 🇸🇮 Slovenian 🇸🇴 Somali 🇷🇸 Serbian Sundanese Swahili Shona 🇪🇸 Spanish 🇸🇪 Swedish 🇹🇯 Tajik Tamil Tatar Telugu 🇹🇭 Thai Tigrinya 🇹🇴 Tongan 🇹🇷 Turkish 🇹🇲 Turkmen Türkic Uyghur 🇺🇦 Ukrainian 🇵🇰 Urdu Urdu 🇺🇿 Uzbek Walloon Welsh 🇻🇳 Vietnamese Wolof Xhosa Zulu
   • Whitelisting:
     No

     Whitelisting is supported by 52 % of reviewed VPNs

   Opera Free VPN does not come as a separate app, being a part of the Opera web browser.

   Therefore, you need to first install the browser on your device. This can be done via the link on the Opera website. If needed, instructions for installation and operation are also available. Opera is very user-friendly. It offers a choice between dark and light modes, which can auto-adjust according to device settings. Being a browser, it supports 111 languages including local dialects.

   Unlike most free VPNs, Opera Free VPN does not have a data transfer limit and does not require a user account for usage. Upon opening the browser, you’ll see the VPN symbol in the top bar. If it’s not visible, enable the VPN in the settings. After clicking on this symbol, a window appears for server connection.

   You can choose from America, Asia, and Europe. The specific server is selected by the service. The option for optimal server selection is also available, where the service chooses the best continent for you. Once connected to the server, your current IP address is displayed and the VPN symbol turns blue. An option to block all advertisements using the shield symbol on the top bar is available.

   Common features like auto-connect (the device will automatically connect to the server when booted) or whitelist (you can select which parts of your activity will be protected by VPN) are not available. Nor does Opera Free VPN offer any other additional features.

5. Opera Free VPN Connection Speed: Upload, Download & Latency

   • Traffic limit: Unlimited

   Download speed

   Higher is better. The average download of all tested VPNs is 115 Mb/s.

   Upload speed

   Higher is better. The average upload of all tested VPNs is 81 Mb/s.

   Server latency

   A lower value is better. The average response rate of all tested VPNs is 48 ms.

   Opera Free VPN does not limit data transfer.

   Nor does it artificially restrict connection speed, a common practice among free VPNs. Thus, with Opera Free VPN, you can attain excellent speeds, albeit influenced by the number of users connected and server load.

   Establishing a connection with our chosen server was quick, as was connecting to the optimal server. During testing, we measured an average download speed of 114 Mb/s and an upload speed of 99 Mb/s. We were impressed by the speed, and in comparison with other VPNs reviewed, this is an above-average service.

   Opera Free VPN provides speeds sufficient for 4K video playback, generally requiring a download speed of at least 50 Mbps.

   The response speed of Opera Free VPN servers averaged 41 ms. In contrast, premium services like AdGuard VPN can achieve as low as 7 ms. Lower is better when considering response speed as opposed to transfer rate.

6. Opera Free VPN Server Locations

   • Number of servers:
     100

     The average number of servers for the reviewed VPNs is 1699.
   • Number of countries:
     5

     The average number of countries available for the reviewed VPNs is 41.

   Europe	🇩🇪 Germany 🇳🇱 Netherlands
   North America	🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 USA
   South America
   Asia	🇸🇬 Singapore
   Africa
   Oceania

   Opera Free VPN does not operate its own servers but instead leases capacity from a competitive service, SurfEasy, which is owned and operated by NortonLifeLock Inc.

   Free VPNs typically offer a limited range of countries, and Opera Free VPN is no exception with only 5 locations. These servers are situated in North America, Asia, and Europe, with the United States and Canada being among the options.

   The browser interface does not specify the city in which each server is located. Moreover, Opera Free VPN does not disclose the total number of servers, nor their detailed specifications. As a result, we can’t determine if the servers are virtual or dedicated.

   All features provided by Opera Free VPN are accessible across all servers without exception.

   The total number of servers is estimated to be at least 100. By comparison, 35,400 offers an extensive range of 35,400 servers across 78 countries.

7. Opera Free VPN Security Features: DNS Leak Protection, Kill Switch…

   • DNS leak protection :
     Yes

     DNS leak protection is offered by 92% of the reviewed VPNs.
   • Kill Switch:
     No

     Kill Switch is supported by 87% of the reviewed VPNs.
   • Multi-Hop:
     No

     Multi-Hop connection is offered by 20 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Tor:
     No

     Tor support is offered by 19 % of the reviewed VPNs.

   Opera Free VPN employs classic military-grade 256-bit encryption combined with the HTTPS protocol. This combination is commonly utilized by various web browsers and services, though it is not considered to be as secure as OpenVPN or WireGuard.

   To ensure DNS protection, third-party services (such as Google or Cloudflare) must be used, or alternative servers must be manually specified. During our testing, we did not identify any DNS request leaks.

   Ad-blocking can be enabled in the browser settings to block ads; however, features for blocking malware and trackers are absent.

   A significant security flaw is the absence of a kill switch feature. This is a common VPN feature that disconnects the device from the internet if the VPN server connection is lost, thereby maintaining the user’s location and IP address secrecy and ensuring transmitted data is not compromised.

   In terms of security features, Opera Free VPN does not provide two-factor authentication, where a code from an authentication app is required to log in along with a password. Multi-hop, where the connection is routed through two different servers simultaneously, is also missing.

   To conclude, Opera Free VPN can be considered relatively vulnerable as it lacks several security features.

8. Opera Free VPN & Streaming: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime…

   • Amazon Prime:
     No

     Amazon Prime streaming is supported by 52 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Disney+:
     No

     Disney+ streaming is supported by 53 % of reviewed VPNs
   • HBO:
     Yes

     HBO streaming is supported by 57 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Hulu:
     Yes

     Hulu streaming is supported by 49 % of reviewed VPNs
   • Netflix:
     Yes

     Netflix streaming is supported by 67 % of reviewed VPNs
   • YouTube:
     Yes

     YouTube streaming is supported by 97 % of reviewed VPNs

   During testing, Opera Free VPN successfully unblocked streams from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and YouTube in the countries where the service has servers. However, we were unable to unblock streams from Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and other platforms.

   While any Opera Free VPN server can potentially unblock streaming services, none are directly optimized for this purpose. Streaming platforms often attempt to block VPN connections by banning their IP addresses due to copyright considerations. Unblocking the video content may require several attempts. If it fails, we recommend disconnecting from the VPN and reconnecting, which might assign an IP address that isn’t blocked.

   Opera Free VPN is one of the few free VPNs that support some streaming platforms. Additionally, the measured download speed of 114 Mb/s is suitable for high-resolution video playback.

9. Features of Opera Free VPN: AdBlock, Static IP…

   • Blocks Ads:
     Yes

     Ad blocking is offered by 44 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Blocks Malware:
     Yes

     Malware blocking is offered by 33 % of the VPNs reviewed.
   • Blocks Trackers:
     Yes

     Trackers blocking is offered by 38 % of the VPNs reviewed.

   Opera Free VPN itself does not offer many distinctive features. However, built-in browser features such as ad-blocking and cookie-blocking can be utilized. Adult content blocking via Cloudflare’s special DNS server is also an option.

   Opera Free VPN does not provide static IP addresses or port forwarding, either for free or for an additional charge.

   Despite these shortcomings, comparable services typically offer limited features as well. For a comprehensive VPN with a full suite of features and security, we recommend considering alternatives such as NordVPN.

10. Opera Free VPN‘s CPU usage and App Performance

    VPNs usually do not strain devices significantly. However, Opera Free VPN is unique in that it is integrated into the web browser, rather than being a standalone application. As a result, comparing the device load with Opera Free VPN active to that of other VPN providers is not straightforward. Web browsers typically impose a greater load on devices than VPN applications.

    Compared to other browsers, the Opera browser puts an average load on the device. To reduce this load, it’s advisable to disable the browser’s automatic startup in the Opera settings when the device is turned on.

11. Opera Free VPN Torrenting Servers

    • Torrenting servers:
      No

      Torrenting support is offered by 89 % of the reviewed VPNs.

    Opera Free VPN does not support torrents or other P2P services.

    It’s less common for free VPNs to offer torrenting support; for a smoother P2P experience, a paid service is typically required. Additionally, Opera Free VPN does not offer the necessary level of security or anonymity to recommend it for torrenting purposes.

    We suggest exploring the best VPNs for torrenting. CyberGhost VPN, for example, is a service we deem suitable.

12. What is the country of origin of Opera Free VPN?

    • VPN Provider: Beijing Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd.
    • Country of origin: 🇳🇴 Norway

    Opera Unite Pte. Ltd. is the organization behind the Opera browser, which includes the Opera Free VPN service. Founded in 1995, the company has maintained its headquarters in Norway ever since.

    Opera Unite Pte. Ltd. is a company with global reach, boasting additional offices in Poland, China, and Sweden. The Opera Free VPN has been incorporated into the browser since 2016. The parent company of Opera Unite Pte. Ltd. is China’s Golden Brick Capital Private Equity Fund PLC, which is located in Singapore.

    Norway is a member of the 14 Eyes Countries alliance, known for monitoring the activities of its citizens and exchanging data among its members. Therefore, it’s critical that a VPN offers robust encryption and privacy measures. Unfortunately, the Opera Free VPN falls short in both areas.

13. Opera Free VPN and Privacy: Logging Policy, Security Issues…

    • No-Logs Policy:
      No

      The No-Logs Policy is followed by 78% of reviewed VPNs.

    Opera Free VPN may retain more data than what’s typical for comparable free services. According to the service provider, the browser collects data for advertising purposes, and alarmingly, third parties have access to this information. Even though Opera Free VPN adheres to a no-logs policy, this doesn’t extend to the browser required to run the service.

    The privacy policy affirms that no information is kept about data transfers or website visits. The remaining data collected is primarily used for marketing. Additionally, the browser contains third-party code that may collect some information.

    An advantage of Opera Free VPN is that users don’t need to create an account to use the service. This means there’s no risk of data being exposed from account maintenance. Upon installation of the browser, a random identifier is generated and might be stored along with details like device ID, hardware specifications, operating system, environment settings, and feature usage data.

    The Opera Free VPN service provider may share user data with, for example, members of the 14 Eyes Countries alliance, following requests from authorities. While the company hasn’t undergone any audits, there have been no detected DNS request leaks.

    The privacy and security offered by Opera Free VPN are lacking. For long-term maximum protection, we suggest opting for a professional service that provides superior data security. NordVPN and Proton VPN Plus are examples of very secure VPNs.

14. Opera Free VPN Support: Chat, e-mail…

    The Opera website provides installation and usage guides for Opera Free VPN across all supported platforms. The FAQ section, offering answers to common queries, is particularly helpful.

    Users can also receive advice and tips from fellow Opera users in the discussion forum, while updates about the browser are regularly posted on the Opera blog.

    Compared to standard services, Opera Free VPN has limited direct contact support. At present, continuous live chat is available on the website as a beta feature.

    For technical issues, support can be reached via email. The contact email varies by platform, with all details listed on the website. Other forms of support for Opera Free VPN are not available.

15. Opera Free VPN FAQ

    Is Opera Free VPN a product of a Chinese company?

    The Opera browser, inclusive of the Opera Free VPN service, was launched in 1995 by the Norwegian company Opera Unite Pte. Ltd. The company was acquired by Golden Brick Capital Private Equity Fund PLC, a Chinese company headquartered in Singapore, in 2016.

    Opera Unite Pte. Ltd. still operates out of Norway and continues to identify as a Norwegian company.

    Is Opera Free VPN a secure service?

    Given its current features, the Opera Free VPN cannot be deemed a secure service. The browser offers rudimentary security with 256-bit encryption and the HTTPS protocol, and has no features apart from ad blocking. Furthermore, Opera Free VPN may gather user data and share it with third parties.

    Why doesn’t Opera Free VPN have a standalone application?

    Opera Free VPN is integrated within the Opera browser and isn’t a conventional VPN. The browser, which includes free VPN protection, can be installed on devices with compatible operating systems. It’s currently the only browser that offers built-in VPN protection.